Over time things change. People and companies come and go, builders pop up and disappear almost overnight it seems, while others have a staying power like no other. Such is the story of Dirt Works Race Cars.

In the early 80’s when the southwest Missouri area was in need of a new, different, more affordable class, two guys ventured north to see what all the hype was about the IMCA modifieds. And so began the story of Dirt Works. Former racer Gary Bass, and local hero Rex Merritt were those two guys, and brought the idea back south with them. Then in 1984, the first of many Dirt Works chassis hit the track. The original cars, D1 driven by dale Roper, and D2 driven by Merritt hit the tracks running, and the craze grew. These cars offered a new alternative to affordable racing, and something different to look at on the track.

By the late 80’s, the business had grown, the chassis were being finished at their future home in Walker, Mo. by Mike Clark and James Ramsey, and another family business was needing attention from Bass. The offer was made to Clark at the time to purchase the company, but he respectfully declined at the time. So the search was on for a new owner, and in 1989, Kelly Bremer and his family became the new owners of Dirt Works.